David Oyelowo gives a powerful performance in Selma – Blu-ray review and giveaway

The civil rights movement in America has been well documented over the years. From 1954 to 1968, the United States witnessed some of the most horrific acts in the history of the world. The ugly truth is race relations was an issue then and still is today. Activists literally put their lives on the line to ensure equality reigned supreme. Among them stood a leader. One who had the strength to use a non-violent approach to combat the issues of racism.

Martin Luther King Jr. is a historical icon. One of the moments in his life that epitomizes the impact he had on American culture is his campaign to secure equal voting rights. Director Ava DuVernay used that event to tell King Jr’s story, but also the story of Selma, Alabama in the award-winning film, Selma.

Right from the beginning, the stage is set. King (David Oyelowo) is shown with wife Coretta (Carmen Ejogo) in an intimate moment prior to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. From there, we’re taken to a church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four young (black) girls in beautiful white dresses are seen walking and talking, carefree and innocent, as children tend to be. An explosion abruptly interrupts the tranquility. Dozens are injured and the four young girls are killed in the racially motivated attack.

The tragic episode is the setup for everything leading up to the epic march from Selma to Montgomery. The film effectively portrays exactly what segregation felt like. Conversations between King and U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) provide depth into where each side was coming from.

The humanization of King in this film is what resonated with me the most. When I think of MLK, I see him as a larger-than-life figure who was relentless in his fight for what he believed in. Selma depicts Dr. King as all those things, but more importantly, he was shown as a man. The myth is removed and we’re able to see King at his most vulnerable. Oyelowo delivers an inspired performance and truly captures the spirit of Dr. King. As an actor he was able to reach a higher level.

Oyelowo isn’t the only actor that deserves credit. Oprah Winfrey (Annie Lee Cooper) and Giovanni Ribisi (Lee White), along with so many others, completed a cast that shared great onscreen chemistry.

The visuals were historically accurate, from scenery to wardrobe. The shooting style did well to add emotion. An example would be the scene where King is walking in the street towards a courthouse. At first glance it appears that he’s alone. The camera pulls out to reveal men and women marching side-by-side with intense focus. I was completely immersed and remember thinking how powerful that scene felt.

Selma takes a well-known piece of American history and tells a story that most are unfamiliar with. The spirit of the civil rights movement was brought to life. You’re taken on a journey that forces you to question your existence and what it means to belong to the human race. More than an education, you receive motivation and pride for what King was able to accomplish.

The Blu-ray has more than an hour of bonus features, including the 13-minute featurette The Road to Selma, which takes a look at pre-production of the film. Recreating Selma is a 26-minute featurette that looks at the film’s design. There are also Deleted and Extended scenes, a “Glory” music video, commentary by director Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo, and more. ~Andree Rhooms

We are giving away 12 copies of the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Just tell us below what was the most recent movie you watched for a chance to win.

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Comments & Discussion

I heard this was a really good movie, I would love to win! The last movie I saw was Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Elaine N • May 8, 2015 @ 10:01 AM

“Cast No Shadow” (free screening on Canadian Film Day)

Corry L. • May 8, 2015 @ 10:10 AM

Coincidentally, it was Selma! Powerful performances and great movie!

Craig Miller • May 8, 2015 @ 10:10 AM

The last movie I saw was The Theory of Everything, which was excellent.

Carole Farhall • May 8, 2015 @ 10:10 AM

Selma

Shannon • May 8, 2015 @ 10:11 AM

The last movie I watched was Cobb. I don’t recommend.

Gemma Mahdal • May 8, 2015 @ 10:16 AM

avengers age of ultron

Margaret Hirst • May 8, 2015 @ 10:21 AM

Into the Woods….if you like musicals it is okay…gives you a different perspective of the fairy tales you grew up with….

Gary Smith • May 8, 2015 @ 10:24 AM

The most recent movie I saw was The Fault in our Stars, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

debbie s • May 8, 2015 @ 10:26 AM

Last movie I watched was the imitation game…loved it!

Jason Russell • May 8, 2015 @ 10:27 AM

Exodus Gods and sands

Lisa Mihalovics • May 8, 2015 @ 10:31 AM

Avengers : L’Ère d’Ultron (yes, I saw it in French)

amanda p • May 8, 2015 @ 10:34 AM

The last movie I watched was Fifty Shades of Grey, it was okay. The actors were great, just the material they had to work with.

Valerie Albo • May 8, 2015 @ 11:02 AM

Last movie I saw was Wild. Very good and very inspiring.

Susan Hanley • May 8, 2015 @ 11:03 AM

The last movie I saw was Home with my grandchildren and we all loved it!

Tracy Morin • May 8, 2015 @ 11:30 AM

The last movie was Avengers: Age of Ultron. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Selma! I have yet to see this one.

Cheryl Germain • May 8, 2015 @ 11:31 AM

The last movie I saw was: The Imitation Game, enjoyed it very much

April King • May 8, 2015 @ 11:32 AM

I finally just watched Gone Girl! After managing to not have the ending spoiled by everyone talking about it, I finally joined the masses of people who were left with their mouths gaping open in disbelief.

Cynthia • May 8, 2015 @ 11:43 AM

Interstellar

Joanne Thompson • May 8, 2015 @ 12:10 PM

The most recent movie I watched was “It Follows”

Linda Bleskie • May 8, 2015 @ 12:22 PM

Last movie I saw was Age of Adeline, I enjoyed this movie because it was entertaining, reflective and happy/sad!

Rose W • May 8, 2015 @ 12:24 PM

Just went to see “Age of Adaline” on Tuesday.

Jocelyne Alldrick • May 8, 2015 @ 12:25 PM

The last movie i watched was Adult Beginners

Angela Mitchell • May 8, 2015 @ 12:26 PM

The last movie I watched was Snowpiercer.

Rachel plouffe • May 8, 2015 @ 12:30 PM

Divergent

Robert Beck • May 8, 2015 @ 12:48 PM

Mr. Turner

Chrissy • May 8, 2015 @ 1:05 PM

The last movie I watched was Furious 7

Marty • May 8, 2015 @ 1:40 PM

Sauvage..;)

sunshine h • May 8, 2015 @ 2:23 PM

The last movie I watched was Dr. Cabbie.

Lesley de la Salle • May 8, 2015 @ 3:02 PM

I wasn’t able to see this in the theatres but my in-laws did and loved it, they had even been to Selma, which I didn’t even know was a place, I thought it was a person. The last movie I saw was While We’re Young – only 3/5 for my rating as Ben Stiller could have been better.

Caleb Chadwick • May 8, 2015 @ 3:17 PM

Ex Machina

Adina H. • May 8, 2015 @ 3:49 PM

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Toby • May 8, 2015 @ 5:17 PM

The Last American Hero! An oldie but a goodie!

Janine Rutledge • May 8, 2015 @ 6:27 PM

Guardians of the Galaxy!

Peggy • May 8, 2015 @ 6:45 PM

Age of Adaline – I liked it for fantasy romance. Blake Lively had very stylish/classic/timeless outfits & beautiful hair. Her costar Michiel Huisman wasn’t bad to look at on the big screen either lol.

Debra F • May 8, 2015 @ 7:11 PM

Horrible Bosses 2

karen • May 8, 2015 @ 8:39 PM

AMERICAN SNIPER

Elizabeth Darlene Taylor • May 8, 2015 @ 9:51 PM

Divergent – Insurgent.

Melanie Camirand • May 8, 2015 @ 9:52 PM

Olympus has fallen

Rosan Butt • May 9, 2015 @ 12:22 AM

Believe it or not the last movie I saw was Selma. I was taken for my Birthday. I shared the experience with my Daughters.

Chantelle Walker • May 11, 2015 @ 12:50 AM

The last movie I watched was the Theory of Everything last week with my sister 🙂 I’ve also seen Selma and loved it!